9. The Summer Palace (China)
Beijing’s Old Summer Palace, or Yuanmingyuan, once showcased the height of imperial Chinese art and landscape design. Renowned for its exquisite gardens, pavilions, and treasures, the palace was destroyed by British and French forces in 1860 during the Second Opium War. Its loss is deeply etched in Chinese cultural memory, symbolizing both historical trauma and national resilience. The ruins still attract visitors, serving as a poignant reminder of vanished grandeur and the enduring legacy of China’s cultural achievements. Learn more about Yuanmingyuan
